Fugutives Sought in Kidnapping Case Captured in Arkansas After Year-long Manhunt

During the investigation it was also learned that the Maez's had two younger children living with them.

Michael and Terry Maez were captured in Arkansas. Photos: Washington County Sheriff

(PORTLAND) - Michael and Terry Maez were captured earlier this week in Waldron Arkansas after an 11-month manhunt.

The suspects were wanted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office on kidnapping and child abuse charges. They allegedly locked their 15-year-old daughter in a trailer after Mr. Maez assaulted her.

They later left the area without that daughter. Arrest warrants were issued for both parents and protective custody warrants were issued for their two minor children.

On September 6th, 2005, a 15-year-old girl ran into the Subway restaurant located at 17755 SW TV Highway and reported that she had been assaulted.

At the time, she was unwilling to say that her father and step-mother had been abusive toward her and had gone so far as to lock her in a trailer and withhold medical treatment.

Her father, Michael Maez, had come after her with a sledge hammer that day, but luckily she managed to escape and went for help at the Subway next door.

The subsequent investigation led detectives in the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Maez as the suspects in their daughter's assault. The 15-year-old disclosed many days later that she was the victim of severe abuse by her parents.

During the investigation it was also learned that the Maez's had two younger children living with them as well; one girl, age 13 years and a boy, age 8 years.

Detectives went to arrest the Maezes and place the two younger children into protective custody. When they arrived they found the Maezes had packed up their camper and fled the area. The 15-year-old daughter was placed into foster care.

Arrest warrants were issued for the Maezes and protective custody warrants were issued for their two younger children.

The story received national media attention as the Washington County Sheriff's Office attempted to locate the Maez family. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the search when it was clear that they had left the State of Oregon.

The trail had gone cold until Mr. Maez was arrested in Waldron, Arkansas on unrelated charges; Mrs. Maez was also arrested and both are being held in Arkansas.

An extradition request will be sent to authorities in Arkansas this week. Washington County detectives are headed to Arkansas to continue this investigation.

Arkansas authorities are reporting that the Maezes' two other children are safe, but no further details are available at this time.